Does Your Dog Have Doggy Breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often a result of a dental or gingival infection, which is one of the most common conditions seen in veterinary practice. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two primary forms of oral disease in pets, but with routine cleaning at Prince George’s Animal Hospital, daily brushing, and oral products, you can prevent oral infections from occurring.

Gingivitis & Periodontitis in Dogs

Gingivitis occurs when dental calculus accumulates along the teeth and gum line. This accumulation tends to create pockets where food and bacteria can become trapped, which can lead to gum infection. Calculus buildup occurs in all dogs over the age of 2, but smaller breeds tend to be more prone to it. Halitosis is just one of the signs of gingivitis. Other signs include red and swollen gums.

If gingivitis is not treated with a professional cleaning and ultrasonic scaling, it can progress into periodontitis, which involves an infection of the tooth roots. Once the tooth roots become infected, the tooth can loosen and even detach, which can lead to even more health problems. Hesitancy with eating, drooling, and nasal discharge are common signs of periodontitis.

Dog Dental Treatment

Dr. Khianey and the team Prince George’s Animal Hospital can treat oral infections with professional cleaning that includes ultrasonic scaling and polishing of teeth. We recommend that you bring your pet in regularly for a routine dental cleaning to maintain their oral and overall health throughout their life.

At-Home Pet Dental Care

Between pet dental appointments, we recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth at home once a day. You may also want to consider dental products like Oravet, a plaque prevention gel that is applied weekly to teeth and the gumline to keep buildup at bay.

Contact us to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning or if you have questions about at-home dental care. Our team will be happy to give you some tips on brushing and other dental topics for your pet.